Cork Impress as Louth Fall in Allianz League Clash
Allianz Football League Division 2 – Drogheda
Louth 1-12 (1-1-10)
Cork 1-17 (1-2-13)
Cork delivered a commanding and composed performance to defeat Louth at the Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda on Sunday afternoon, securing a valuable Allianz Division 2 Football League victory.
The win makes it four points from two games for John Cleary’s side, marking the first time since 2015 that Cork have managed that return in the top two divisions of the league.
Cork Learn from Past Visits to Louth
After suffering defeats on their previous two visits to Louth in 2023 and 2024, Cork arrived better prepared this time around. Where concentration lapses had cost them in the past, the Rebels showed maturity, discipline and control to keep the home side at arm’s length for most of the contest.
Cork’s ability to dig in defensively while also producing quality attacking play proved decisive on the day.
Strong Finish to First Half Creates Breathing Space
The opening exchanges were tense, with Sam Mulroy opening the scoring for Louth from a difficult free. Cork were initially nervous, registering a wide and dropping another short before settling.
Luke Fahy brought Cork level after six minutes, and both sides traded frees before Tommy Walsh edged the visitors in front. Cork began to gain a foothold through strong kick-outs from Patrick Doyle and midfield dominance from Colm O’Callaghan.
The turning point came midway through the half. After Mulroy narrowly missed a goal chance for Louth, Cork struck decisively at the other end when Brian Hurley set up Chris Óg Jones, who finished clinically to the net.
Two superb two-pointers late in the half – one from Hurley and another from a Steven Sherlock free – helped Cork build an eight-point lead, 1-10 to 0-5, at the break.
Louth Struggle with Accuracy
Louth’s cause was not helped by wayward shooting, with seven wides registered in the opening half alone. While Mulroy remained a constant threat, the Wee County leaned too heavily on their talismanic captain for scores.
Despite showing flashes of promise, Louth were unable to convert pressure into meaningful returns on the scoreboard.
Improved Second-Half Response from Louth
The home side started the second half with renewed energy. Ciarán Downey opened the scoring, and Louth landed two of the next three points to reduce the deficit.
Mulroy’s accurate 45 and a score from substitute Tadhg McDonnell gave the home crowd some hope, cutting Cork’s lead to six points.
However, Cork responded calmly. Seán McDonnell and Sherlock steadied the ship, with the latter continuing his impressive display from placed balls.
Cork Game Management Seals the Win
As the game entered its final quarter, Cork managed proceedings expertly. Scores dried up, a scenario that suited the visitors, who slowed the tempo and forced Louth to chase.
Sherlock added further frees before Downey struck a late two-pointer for Louth, but the outcome was already decided. A late consolation goal from Dermot Campbell, after a long delivery evaded the Cork defence, had little impact on the final result.
Standout Performers
Steven Sherlock was influential throughout, finishing with 0-8, while Chris Óg Jones’ goal proved pivotal. Brian Hurley’s contribution, including a two-pointer, underlined Cork’s attacking efficiency.
For Louth, Sam Mulroy carried much of the scoring burden, while Ciarán Downey showed promise with his two-point effort.
Scorers
Louth:
S Mulroy 0-6 (0-3f, 0-1 45), C Downey 0-3 (1 2pt), D Campbell 1-0, T McDonnell, C Lennon, C Grimes 0-1 each.
Cork:
S Sherlock 0-8 (1 2pt f, 0-4f, 0-1 45), C Óg Jones 1-1, B Hurley (1 2pt), S McDonnell, M Cronin 0-2 each, T Walsh, L Fahy 0-1 each.
